By Austin Weatherman
Since the pandemic, there has been an increase in the number of people developing an interest in skateboarding. More people have cruised the streets as a result of availability, accessibility, and escapism from the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, you can’t just grab any board and expect to start shredding like Andrew Reynolds or Kyle Walker.
I mean, you can, but it’s recommended to choose one of the five types of skateboards that fit the style of skating you want to do. Some people like cruising to class, bombing hills, hitting skateparks, or others like ripping street spots. Remember, no wrong answers here.
Here are the five types of skateboards, their purpose, the best places to ride them, and some words of wisdom from Cal State Fullerton students skaters.
Mini Cruiser
The modern mini-cruiser is perfect for traveling on campus due to its tiny size and big wheels for bypassing cracks in the pavement.
“I would think it’s the perfect one because you could probably fit it in your backpack,” said business major David Rodriguez who works at the Garage Skateshop in Dana Point.
Recommended spot: To and from class
Cruiser
The cruiser is wider and longer than a mini, giving skaters more space and the ability to maneuver better.
“That one would be better for a beginner because there’s more board room so you get more comfortable learning how to ride,” Rodriguez said.
Recommended spot: CSUF Main Campus/parking lot A
Longboard
The longboard is the most stable board due to its large wheels and surfboard-like deck, allowing skaters to hit high speeds while maintaining control and comfortability.
“It’d probably be for like down hilling or if you’re cruising too,” Rodriguez said. “I see a lot of longboards at the beach or somebody just cruising by.”
Recommended spot: Beach bike path/Ralph B. Clark Regional Park in Buena Park
Old School/Shaped
Made popular in the ‘80s, the old school skateboard was designed to allow skaters to skate swimming pools and ramps with ease. They are generally composed of long and wide decks with big trucks and are uniquely shaped so each board rides differently.
“With a shaped board, it’s so much easier to add some pizzazz and your own finesse to it,” said liberal arts major My-Linh Nguen, who started skateboarding on a Penny board in middle school.
Recommended spot: Vans OC
Popsicle
The popsicle is the most recognizable board shape of all, sporting twin-rounded tips and concave throughout the board. The popsicle skateboard’s shape and small wheels give skaters the ability to skate in a more technical style with flip tricks and rails. These boards work very well at skate parks and street spots.
“I like the look of a popsicle deck,” said 21-year-old communications major Filip Pejcinovic, who got back into skateboarding during college. “I always ride popsicle decks in the park.”
Recommended spot: Brea skatepark or Laguna Hills skatepark
Now that you are equipped with the proper skate knowledge, go visit your local skate shop to purchase your board today.
